Now that summer is upon us, local beaches are reserved for people - and not pups. While dogs love the beach, there are still plenty of other places for them to enjoy the outdoors until they're allowed back on the beach.

Stamford Dog Park just recently celebrated its five-year anniversary on May 10, 2014. The 1.2-acre section of Hunt Park off Courtland Avenue is fenced off into two sections, one for big dogs and one for smaller dogs.

"Mayor David Martin spoke briefly at the anniversary event, and admitted that he wasn't an immediate supporter of creating the dog park. He was president of the Board of Representatives when it was proposed, and was skeptical about whether it would be popular with people, or even whether it was feasible."

But it seems the park has been a successful addition to the city these past five years. Stamford resident, Karen Varga, said "the dog park was a selling point for her when she moved to Stamford after accepting a job here." Click here to read more about Stamford's dog park.

Danbury resident, Brittany Batterton, takes her dog, Troy, to the Southbury Dog Park. "It's really nice; it's huge and it has a big river at the end that the dogs can swim in," she said. Batterton also takes Troy to Newtown's new dog park and Steep Rock Preserve in Washington Depot.

Kristin Woxholdt of New Fairfield prefers hikes and wooded trails to dog parks. She also takes her dog, Havoc, to Steep Rock. Woxholdt often crosses over to New York State and brings Havoc to Stone Church Hike in Dover and Cranberry Mountain in Patterson.

Check out some of the other dog-friendly outdoor spaces in the area.

Here are a few events coming up for you and your pal as well:

- June 6 -8: Doggy Fun Zone

The Doggie Fun Zone is held in conjunction with the Greenwich Kennel Club All-Breed Dog show. An agility course gives your dog a fun place to exercise. Find out more.

- June 7: Greenwich All-Breed Dog Show

The Greenwich Kennel Club (GKC) will hold their 82nd All-Breed Dog Show, Obedience & Rally Trial. The Saturday, June 7th show will showcase more than 1,100 pre-entered purebred dogs representing some 150 unique breeds competing in conformation. Find out more.